ECSU vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Shepherd University is larger than ECSU based on total student enrollment (3,339 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elizabeth City State University is located in Elizabeth City, NC (Distant Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Elizabeth City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elizabeth City State University 19:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

ECSU vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU or Shepherd University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Elizabeth City State University than Shepherd University ($6,483 vs. $11,744).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elizabeth City State University are 7.2% lower than at Shepherd University ($11,986 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 38.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $2,520 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $6,536.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 81.1% higher at Shepherd University than at Elizabeth City State University (about $8,546 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $10,536.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Elizabeth City State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elizabeth City State University students is 30.2% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($10,732 vs. $8,241).

ECSU vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shepherd University (1010) is 10 points higher than at ECSU (1000).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at ECSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 920/1080; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 16/22; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ECSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at ECSU (3.16).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than ECSU (64.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at ECSU vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

ECSU vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU and Shepherd University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Elizabeth City State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,902 lower median loan debt than ECSU graduates ($22,223 vs. $26,125).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECSU graduates ($229 vs. $270).
• More Shepherd University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 23%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.